Contract status: Two years remaining at a salary-cap hit of $950,000. He'll be a restricted free agent when the deal expires.

2013-14 in review: Led the team's rookies in goals and points. ... Combined with Danny DeKeyser to give the Red Wings two rookies with 22 or more points for the first time since 1991-92 (Nicklas Lidstrom, Vladimir Konstantinov). ... Scored with 1:15 remaining in the third period to tie game at Pittsburgh on April 9, assuring team one point that clinched its 23rd consecutive playoff appearance (Penguins won 4-3 in shootout). ... Ended the season on a three-game goal-scoring streak. ... Recorded five multi-point games. ... Ranked second to Gustav Nyquist on team in shooting percentage (15.3 percent). ... Charged with only nine giveaways. ... Won 49 percent of his faceoffs. ... Averaged 2:06 per game on the power play. ... Had 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 31 games for Grand Rapids.

2014-15 outlook: The Red Wings were especially decimated by injuries to their centers. Sheahan seized an opportunity after being recalled mid-season, essentially assuming the second-line center spot, and did a good job at both ends of the ice. Defense is considered his strength, and he can be counted on to play against other team's top lines and trusted to be on the ice in the final minute to protect one-goal leads. Sheahan, the club's top pick in 2010 out of Notre Dame (21st overall), also displayed his offensive ability – he was on pace for a 17-goal, 47-point season – playing mostly on a kid line with former Griffins teammates Tomas Tatar and Tomas Jurco. He utilizes his size down low and around the net and protects the puck well. With Todd Bertuzzi gone, perhaps Sheahan's net-front role on the power play will expand. He needs to improve in the faceoff circle.

Key question: Does Sheahan have enough offensive potential to eventually become a permanent second-line center?